SPRING PRACTICE PERIOD: Stories from the Lotus Sutra

Dogen-Zenji so cherished the Lotus Sutra that he actually carved a selection of it into his door. This, the core text of not only Zen but the whole of Mahayana Buddhism, has never lost its appeal among practitioners of the Way. Join us for our SPRING PRACTICE PERIOD: Stories From the Lotus Sutra led by Sensei Joshin Byrnes, Sensei Genzan Quennell

I think, in terms of a retreat, one of the best attitudes to have altogether is to see it as an experiment. You’re just trying things. You know, we can live in such a rut. Nobody’s suggesting you be silent for the entire rest of your life, or do certain protocols or whatever. But you’re checking things out to see how they feel, to see if they support you in some way. Don’t feel you’re being coerced into anything, but it’s this grand experiment, so that’s a wonderful thing. It’s an experiment in happiness actually.

EDITOR'S NOTE

This week we look forward to welcoming Stephen Batchelor to offer teachings with Roshi Joan in one of his last planned visits to the U.S. Sharon Salzberg reminds us to view our retreat practice as a grand experiment. And Sensei Irene Kaigetsu Bakker discusses Dogen's radical stance on gender equality, as part of exploration this month of women's history in Buddhism.

ROSHI JOAN

Roshi is at Upaya this week in Stephen Batchelor's retreat. She had a powerful time with the chaplain candidates during the training, and looks forward to seeing them in August. She leaves for Boston next Monday for a Mind and Life Board meeting, returns for a brief time at Upaya, then goes to Japan. She is working on a new book, and as well is engaged in an intensive teaching schedule this spring. Join her for the retreats with Stephen Batchelor in March, and Sharon Salzberg in May.

FEATURE ARTICLES

A GRAND EXPERIMENT: SHARON SALZBERG

People come and say, “I don’t know if I can be silent, “or “My partner doesn’t think I can be silent;” one person came and said, “They’re doing a betting pool in my office to see how long I can be silent.” Click to read more on Upaya's Blog...

THE FOURFOLD TASK: STEPHEN BATCHELOR

When the path, when a way of life, begins to open up that’s not premised on craving or attachment or fear or wanting, then that path is to be cultivated. That’s the task that is suggested by the Buddha. Click to read more on Upaya's Blog...

MERELY NONSENSE: SENSEI IRENE KAIGETSU BAKKER

So for me it is still amazing that Dogen Zenji who was mainly surrounded by men from a fairly young age on, has such a radical... perspective on women.Click to read more on Upaya's Blog...

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